Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

The Herbert sits right in Coventry city centre, a proper gem if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks like Hollyfast or Avon Wild Camping. It's free to walk in, which already makes it worth your time - no excuses not to pop in for an hour or so.

Inside, you get medieval manuscripts, contemporary art, and a collection of local history that actually tells you something about the city beyond the bombed-out Coventry everyone thinks they know. The exhibits change regularly, so there's a reason to return if you're staying more than a day or two. Families with teenagers will find plenty to engage with; younger kids might get restless after 90 minutes unless there's a hands-on activity running.

What makes it work is that it doesn't pretend to be something massive. The building itself - all glass and steel overlooking Coventry's medieval streets - is worth the visit alone. You can see into the galleries from outside, which sounds odd but actually draws you in.

Allow two to three hours if you're thorough, less if you just want the highlights. The café is decent for a post-gallery coffee. Opening hours are 10am to 4pm weekdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm on Sundays, so plan accordingly. Combine it with a walk around the cathedral quarter - they're practically neighbours - and you've got a proper morning or afternoon sorted without breaking the bank.